Another transatlantic on the Explorer of the Seas: a photo essay

Roman ruins, Cartagena, Spain.

Our life took a detour with the birth of our third grandchild last year and eye surgery this year. This was my first trip out of the US since our long trip visiting a number of countries in Asia last year. In the meantime, Caroline had squeezed a month in New Zealand and a few weeks in Hawaii, and I had gone National Park hopping with Wesley and MIgnon. And we had a fabulous time visiting Monterey twice with the older grandkids, cycling and walking everywhere.

This cruise left from Port Canaveral and headed to Europe. A transatlantic cruise attracts experienced cruisers who can entertain themselves, since you are at sea for at least a week with no stops. We said goodbye to a neighborhood alligator, and boarded the Explorer of the Seas.

On this sailing, rooms weren't open until 1 PM, so an early arrival meant the gym and pickleball. Then, meeting up with friends, and dinner.

Then... a day at sea! As I've discussed in previous blogs, we have a very different schedule than most cruisers. I get up at 6 and go to the gym. There will only be a dozen people who visit the gym that early, so it is not crowded. Not crowded, this is, except for the first free fitness class at 7 am, which is either a stretch class or an abs class. For the first few days, before people are tired, or hung over, or up too late dancing their cares away, the free fitness classes are FULL. So, our routine is that I work out for 30 minutes, then I lay out a mat for Caroline in the fitness studio, then I return to my workout (run, weights, or stationary bike). Caroline wakes up about 6:30, has a light breakfast of skim milk, a bran muffin, and a piece of fruit that she picked up the day before at the buffet, and walks in at 6:55, with a mat waiting for her!

Caroline buys an all-inclusive pass, so her schedule is as follows: stretch class, abs class, yoga class, spin bike class, second breakfast, dance aerobics, and depending on the timing, pickleball!

In the afternoon, we usually play table tennis and play some ukulele (not at the same time).

We usually meet up with fellow crusiers for dinner in the MDR (Main Dining Room), then attend the evening show, and get to bed before 9.

These large cruise ships are always full of interesting art and displays, and the Explorer didn't disappoint.

We played in the volleyball competition, and won two first place medals! Alas, we were not as lucky in the table tennis competitions, usually not getting past the second elimination round.

At the beginning of the voyage, I recognized one of the entertainers working out in the gym. Andy Parrish is half of the acrobatic act Duo Quintessence. He and his partner, Megan Wilson, put on a terrific show. We first met them on the Anthem. Their skill and athleticism is exceptional. Highly recommended!

Every day and every night, the ocean doesn't disappoint. The sea may be rough or calm, the clouds wispy or cumulus. Sea days are what you make of them.

Our first stop was Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, Portugal (Azores). We had a tour of the town, and visited volcanic springs, a tea plantation, a waterfall, and a pottery factory.

The next couple of days also were sea days. We had a tour of the galley, played more ukulele, attended shows, and visited all parts of the ship.

Next, Cádiz, located in the Andalusia region of southwestern Spain. We started with a walking tour, but I really couldn't hear the guide, so we broke off to explore on our own.

Next, Malaga, Mijas, and Marbella!

Next, Cartagena, Spain! 

A little Cartagena ukulele practice.

Our last stop before Barcelona was Palma de Mallorca, the capital of Spain's Balearic Islands.

We met Mike and Bill at the bus stop to the city. They helped us navigate the trip. And we ended up seeing them at EVERY stop thereafter... they are walkers, like us. I look forward to meeting up with them again.

Finally, we reached Barcelona. We are spending a day there, then heading to Croatia. We enjoyed this transatlantic cruise, and look forward to our next this fall going the other direction.